help with spots on my body

[lou0711]

I am 27 years old and for the last 18 months i have been experiencing a breakout of pimples all over my back, chest and shoulders they are unsightly and i feel very self conscious about them. It will be summer soon and would not like to have to stay covered up.This is the only area they appear.It is not a hygiene problem as i shower at least once a day.
Has anyone got any advice on what i can use to get rid of these spots?

[loiloi]

Hi Lou. Acne is not a hygiene problem. It is cause by a sensitivity to the effects of hormones we have in our bodies. Ask your doctor about taking an anti-androgen contraceptive pill like Dianette or Yasmin. These offer birth control and clear up acne. Avoid the mini pill or Depo shot as these can make acne worse. You could also take a course of oral antibiotics such as erythromycin or oxytetracycline to attack the bacteria which, with adrogens, contribute to acne. If you take the pill and antibiotics together use a condom as there is a theorectical risk of antibiotics lessening the contraceptive properties of the pill.
It would be impractical to use an acne gel on large areas of the body but Clinique make a chest and back spray which would be good for you. They also make an anti-bacterial soap you can use in the shower.
You're not alone, the average age for acne in the UK has now risen above 30. If you take an anti-androgen and/or an oral antibiotic you should see improvement in about 3 months, just in time for summer! Love Loiloi xx